Assiniboine welcomes thousands of students as fall term gets underway

Many students will begin or resume their studies this week at Assiniboine College as the fall term gets underway. The college expects close to 6,000 students this academic year across programs.

Thousands more will be enrolled in various continuing studies, agriculture extension and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses throughout the academic year.

“The excitement I feel with the culmination of graduation is matched only by the start of so many classes in the fall, knowing each of these students are taking a step toward transforming their lives through education and training,” said Dr. Deanna Rexe, Vice President, Academic at Assiniboine.

For this academic year, the college will continue to see the success of previously expanded programs including Practical Nursing, with four rural rotating sites welcoming students this year, and more on the horizon for 2025-26, including a new Mechatronics program. Apprenticeship enrolment is also expected to increase compared to last year.

Last year, the college received $11.4 million from the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada to expand Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Child Care Assistant programming. The college is running new and additional intakes this fall in person and online, including ECE Accelerated Mentorship programs in Brandon, rural rotating sites; an ECE Qualification Recognition program for internationally educated individuals.

“The new and returning students who will join us at Assiniboine in the coming days are investing in their own futures, and at the same time are supporting the economic future of Manitoba. We’re excited about the skills these students will acquire in their time here and the opportunities they will have as they prepare for success in in demand careers across the province,” said Mark Frison, President at Assiniboine.

“We are proud to provide training opportunities throughout Manitoba, with programs beginning at various times throughout the year. It’s important we continue to offer students flexibility in where and when they can embark on their post-secondary journey with us,” added Frison.

Assiniboine is a national leader in community-based education. The college often delivers programs in partnership with organizations and communities throughout the province—often First Nations—to deliver education opportunities close to home for students. Upcoming programs include Mature Student High School in Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve and Sandy Bay First Nation; Practical Nursing in Berens River First Nation, Norway House First Nation and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation; Early Childhood Education Workplace and Early Childhood Program Management in partnership with Manitoba Métis Federation; Applied Plumbing Installation in St. Theresa Point First Nation and in partnership with Island Lakes Tribal Council; and Heavy Equipment Technician with First Peoples Development Inc.

While September sees a large influx of new and returning students at Assiniboine, a number of intakes for programs beginning in January and May 2025 are on the horizon and have space for more students to apply, including Business Administration, Network Administration Technology, Public Safety, Horticultural Production, and Sustainable Food Systems.

Student welcome events are underway across campuses, aiming to help students as they move into college life. Hundreds are expected to participate in activities that help foster student belonging and academic success.